It’s a known fact that physical activity, intentional movement and exercise all play a vital part in maintaining health and adding longevity to life. Many of us are proactive to ensure that health and exercise is a top priority throughout the year. But when gatherings, holidays and end of year parties begin to consume our time, workouts may take a back seat. Blowing off an hour of sweat may free up a block on your schedule, but we highly recommend keeping it at the very top of your list. Here are our top five reasons why…
Stress. The planning, the hosting, classroom parties and volunteering, extra spending and waiting in lines. It can all become a bit overwhelming. By setting aside time to zone out during exercise you’ll not only get those endorphins flowing (your brain’s feel good neurotransmitters) but you’ll provide stress relief for your body while protecting it from harmful effects of stress too.
Seasonal Depression. With longer nights and gloomier winter days, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is something that can affect mood and behaviors at any age. Incorporating movement into each day is known to reduce symptoms and promote feelings of happiness. Call or message a comforting friend and ask her to meet you at class. Sometimes just being in the presence of others can do wonders. *If you think you may be suffering from SAD, talk to your healthcare provider or mental health specialist about your concerns.
Routine + Structure. One of the main causes associated with stress and weight gain is a change in daily structure. When routines become disrupted it is easy to get off track and even harder to get back into the swing of things. Continuing an exercise routine and healthy habits throughout the holidays will help to keep anxiety levels in check and fitness goals progressing. For added accountability we recommend enrolling into classes at the beginning of each week which can encourage you to attend and be less likely to skip!
Offset extra calories. You probably already know that we’re not huge fans of calorie counting. However, we do recognize that consuming extra can lead to weight gain and not feeling our best. Additional calorie intake is bound to happen during the holidays… Added sugar in everything, delicious appetizers at parties, grandma’s traditional breakfast casserole and more. We can’t promise that you won’t get an upset stomach but by continuing to get in those planned workouts, you’re bound to help offset the extra calories eaten.
Boost energy. Between trying to keep up with ongoing daily tasks and the addition of holiday stress, Mama needs energy! Coffee is great but movement is superior. Exercise boosts oxygen circulation inside your body allowing it to function better and use its energy more efficiently, without the added calories or mid afternoon crash. Get those workouts in and pump up those super mom powers!